The Emeritus Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, expressed that all attention is focused on the Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal to complete the task that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) left unfinished during the February 25 election.
In his remarks to journalists after a special mass commemorating the 2023 World Communication Week of the Catholic Church at St. Gabriel’s Chaplaincy in Abuja on Sunday, the respected clergyman called upon the judiciary to explore avenues for live broadcasting of the petition tribunal, despite it being unprecedented.
Onaiyekan emphasized that Nigerians are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the petition tribunal, holding their breath in anticipation.
“All eyes are on the court. We tried our best to vote; we were told to go to court. We are now in court. All eyes are on the court. We have trust in the court that they finish the job that INEC did halfway,” he said.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency in the process, he argued that if witnesses have anything to say that people shouldn’t know, they shouldn’t be saying it.
Onaiyekan said, “It is in the interest of the judiciary is to allow the people to see what is happening, even if it means adjusting their rules.
“Voters don’t have the locus standi in court to challenge election outcomes. The matter is left to the candidates. That’s why it’s important that the court proceedings are seen live on TV.”
On the topic of communication, the Emeritus Archbishop noted that communication is essential for resolving conflicts and building relationships.
“The social media has come into the picture. You cannot ignore it anymore.
“Communication is meant to build and not to destroy; to unite and not divide; to entertain and not to sadden. This is what we are praying for today,” he said.
Speaking during the special mass, the National Director of Social Communications, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Very Rev. Fr. Michael Umoh, echoed this sentiment, describing Christ as the grand communicator of God to humanity.
According to the clergy, because the Church is an extension of the mission of Christ, that is the reason “every Christian must strive to develop the skill of being an effective communicator after the model of Jesus, the perfect communicator.”